Connect with us

society

Banwo Questions Bwala’s Credibility After Al Jazeera Interview ‎

Published

on

Banwo Questions Bwala’s Credibility After Al Jazeera Interview

‎Public commentator, Dr. Ope Banwo, has criticised Daniel Bwala, the Presidential Spokesperson on Policy Communication for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following a contentious interview on Al Jazeera, describing the appearance as damaging to the credibility of Nigeria’s public communication.

‎Bwala had appeared on a programme hosted by journalist Mehdi Hasan, where he faced a series of questions about past statements attributed to him. During the exchange, Hasan presented video clips of previous remarks by the government spokesman and asked him to reconcile them with his responses during the interview.

‎The exchange, which has since circulated widely online, drew attention after Bwala appeared to dispute statements that were subsequently played back during the programme.

‎Reacting to the development, Banwo said the episode reflected poorly on Nigeria’s representation on international media platforms.

‎According to him, the availability of digital records and online archives means public officials must be prepared to defend their past statements whenever they appear on global television.

‎“In the era of instant fact-checking, any public figure going on international television must assume that every previous statement can be easily retrieved,” Banwo said.

‎He added that the controversy surrounding the interview was particularly troubling because the contradictions presented during the programme were supported with video evidence.

‎Banwo noted that while political interviews can be confrontational, government representatives should expect tough questioning when appearing before international audiences.

‎The founder of Naija Lives Matters also expressed concern over Bwala’s reaction during the interview, especially his claim that he was not informed he would be required to defend his personal record.

‎“A government spokesman should never be surprised by questions about his own public statements,” Banwo said.

‎During the programme, Bwala also responded to criticism of Nigeria’s governance challenges by arguing that similar problems exist in other parts of the world.

‎However, Banwo argued that such comparisons do not address the specific issues raised about Nigeria.

‎According to him, the episode should serve as a reminder of the importance of preparation and credibility when Nigerian officials appear before international media platforms.

‎The interview has continued to generate reactions across social media and political commentary circles, with observers debating both the conduct of the interview and the implications for Nigeria’s global image.

society

Troops Intensify Offensive in Sokoto Communities, Force Terrorists to Abandon Camps in Kurawa and Tureta Axis

Published

on

Troops Intensify Offensive in Sokoto Communities, Force Terrorists to Abandon Camps in Kurawa and Tureta Axis

 

 

Troops of Headquarters 8 Division and Sector 2 of Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansan Yamma have sustained offensive operations against terrorist elements in parts of Sokoto State, forcing suspected criminals to abandon their hideouts and disrupting their activities. On June 4, 2026, troops working alongside Operation Keystone personnel, Department of State Services (DSS) operatives and Sokoto State Community Guards conducted a fighting patrol to Kurawa Village, where they cleared the community and surrounding areas of suspected terrorist camps.

 

During the operation, troops successfully cleared and occupied identified hideouts after suspected terrorists fled on sighting the advancing security forces. The operation was extended to Dangulbi and nearby locations, while aerial surveillance conducted with drones confirmed the absence of terrorist activity within the general area, indicating the effectiveness of ongoing clearance efforts.

 

In a related operation, troops at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Tureta swiftly responded to reports of suspected terrorist movements around Bimassa Village in Tureta Local Government Area. Upon arrival, locals informed the troops that the suspects had been sighted around the Kuruwa axis allegedly searching for livestock to rustle. The prompt deployment of troops disrupted the criminals’ plans, and the operation was concluded without incident as security forces maintained dominance of the area.

Continue Reading

Politics

Lagos Politics: APC Elevates Sonayan-James, Strengthens 2027 Governorship Ticket

Published

on

Sonayan-James

Lagos Politics: APC Elevates Sonayan-James, Strengthens 2027 Governorship Ticket

 

LAGOS — The All Progressives Congress has boosted its preparations for the 2027 Lagos State governorship election with the unveiling of Damilola Sonayan-James as its deputy governorship candidate, a move party leaders say is aimed at strengthening the party’s electoral prospects.

Sonayan-James

The announcement positions Sonayan-James as a key figure in the party’s campaign structure as the APC intensifies efforts to consolidate its political dominance in the state ahead of the polls.

Party officials described her emergence as the outcome of extensive consultations and a strategic decision to present a ticket that reflects competence, grassroots engagement and inclusive leadership.

Speaking on the development, APC leaders said Sonayan-James had demonstrated commitment to the party’s ideals and possessed the experience required to contribute meaningfully to governance if elected.

Her nomination is also expected to bolster the party’s appeal among women, youths and grassroots supporters, given her track record in community development and political mobilisation.

Political observers believe the decision underscores the APC’s determination to field a balanced ticket capable of sustaining its influence in Lagos while responding to the evolving expectations of the electorate.

With the unveiling concluded, attention is expected to shift to statewide mobilisation and engagement with stakeholders as the party prepares for what is anticipated to be a keenly contested governorship election in 2027.

Continue Reading

society

ONDO STATE GOVERNMENT MOBILIZES ON #UniteAgainstTerror CAMPAIGN, CALLS FOR NATIONAL UNITY AGAINST TERRORISM

Published

on

ONDO STATE GOVERNMENT MOBILIZES ON #UniteAgainstTerror CAMPAIGN, CALLS FOR NATIONAL UNITY AGAINST TERRORISM


‎The Ondo State Government has announced its support for the nationwide #UniteAgainstTerror campaign, calling on all Nigerians to rise above political, ethnic, and religious differences in a collective effort to combat terrorism and other forms of violent crimes threatening the nation’s peace and stability.

‎2. The campaign mobilization comes in the wake of the recent conviction and sentencing of individuals linked to the horrific Owo church massacre of June 2022, a tragedy that claimed innocent lives and left lasting scars on families, communities, and the nation. While welcoming the judicial outcome as a significant step toward justice, the Government emphasized that the fight against terrorism requires sustained vigilance and the active participation of all citizens.

‎3. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa stated that this is a defining moment for Nigerians to come together with one voice against terrorism, stressing that national security must transcend partisan interests. According to the Governor, “when we see something, we must say something,” urging citizens to promptly report suspicious activities and security concerns to the appropriate authorities.

‎4. The Government commends the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps, and other security agencies for their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to protecting lives and defending the nation’s territorial integrity.

‎5. Ondo State Government therefore calls on traditional rulers, religious leaders, community associations, youth groups, civil society organizations, media practitioners, and all well-meaning Nigerians to embrace the #UniteAgainstTerror campaign as a patriotic movement aimed at strengthening intelligence gathering, promoting public awareness, and denying criminal elements the space to operate within our communities.

‎6. The Government reaffirms its commitment to supporting all lawful measures that enhance national security and urges every citizen to remain alert, responsible, and actively involved in the collective task of safeguarding Nigeria. Together, united in purpose and action, we can defeat terrorism and build a safer and more secure nation for present and future generations.


‎Hon. Idowu Ajanaku,
‎Commissioner for Information and Orientation
June 5, 2026

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending